Committee of Experts for the Independent Review of Public Post-Secondary Education

Department

Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

Authority

The Way Forward: Building our Future (April 24, 2018)

Remuneration

Level II

Purpose:

The mandate of the Committee for the Review of the Public Post-Secondary Education system will be to undertake a review of the province’s public post-secondary education system, including exploring how our system compares to other jurisdictions and recommend options to achieve better outcomes in post-secondary education in a more cost-efficient manner. The Committee will consider The Way Forward in the development of a strategic vision of public post-secondary education for the next decade. Through the development of measurable educational goals, the Committee will help ensure our institutions are well-positioned to meet the needs of students well into the future, address emerging labour demands, and continue to contribute to the province’s economic growth.

Structure:

This will be a Tier II Committee composed of one chairperson and two vice-chairs selected through an open call for applications from the public. Applicants from within and outside the province are welcome to submit an application.

Competency Profile:

Persons appointed to the Committee by the Lieutenant Governor in Council should collectively have experience and expertise related to the post-secondary education system, specifically, governance and institutional accountability, administration, program development and evaluation, financial efficiency and sustainability, infrastructure, post-secondary education funding models, and research in post-secondary education environment. The capacity for strategic thinking is critical for the committee to develop a long-term strategic vision of public post-secondary education for the next decade.

The Committee should reflect and be able to appreciate and respect needs and issues related to: geography, gender, international students, Indigenous education, board members, students with disabilities and accessibility, mental health, LGBTQ, student support services, program quality, program responsiveness, professional development, institutional outcomes, applied research, faculty, and administrators.

Qualifications:

The combined education and experience of the Committee should include the following:

Substantial experience with and knowledge of the public post-secondary education system

Governance experience

Administration experience

Demonstrated understanding of relationship between provincial government and post-secondary institutions

Strategic thinking

Capacity to develop a long-term strategic vision of public post-secondary education

Task oriented

Ability to meet deadlines

Knowledge of factors which contribute to successful educational outcomes in public post-secondary education:

Program relevancy and responsiveness

Research, technology transfer and commercialization

Labour market

Societal factors

Articulation and student transfer agreements

Student supports and services

Expertise in areas of public post-secondary education systems specified in the terms of reference:

Governance theories and practices

Institutional autonomy concepts

Post-secondary funding models

Fiscal sustainability

Post-secondary infrastructure

Skills gap

Impact of innovation

Knowledge of current issues in public post-secondary education

Funding and accountability

Indigenous education

International education

Student mental health and wellness

Analytical ability

Understand post-secondary educational outcomes data

Experience in interpreting post-secondary educational research data

Experience with labour market research analysis

Experience with financial analysis

Strong understanding of national and international perspectives on public post-secondary education systems

Chairperson candidates should possess most, if not all, of the following characteristics:

Demonstrated ability to lead a significant review process resulting in the development of a comprehensive report and recommendations

Demonstrated Leadership ability:

Have a vision for an efficient post-secondary education system

Ability and experience in facilitating problem-solving

Ability to create a shared understanding of issues

Ability to appreciate different perspectives

Ability to work with committee members and stakeholders to seek common ground and develop recommendations

Demonstrated capacity for strategic thinking with capacity to develop long-term vision of public post-secondary education

Organizational ability:

Experience/expertise in project management

Evidence of ability to keep projects on track and within budget

Education background:

Graduate degree in higher education or equivalency

Well respected in the public post-secondary education community

Strong understanding of national and international perspectives on public post-secondary education systems

Experience with and knowledge of the public post-secondary education system, including:

Experience as a senior leader in public post-secondary education

Strong understanding of:

public post-secondary governance theories and practices

factors contributing to successful educational outcomes in public post-secondary education

public post-secondary funding models

Demonstrated understanding of relationship between provincial government and post-secondary education institutions

Interpersonal skills

Listening

Facilitation

Communication expertise (oral and written)

Including communicating to the public and stakeholders

Respectful of different opinions

Respectful toward colleagues

Analytical ability

Understand post-secondary educational outcomes data

Experience in interpreting post-secondary educational research data

Experience with labour market research analysis

Experience with financial analysis

Research experience

Participation in previous policy research initiatives – government or academic

Additional Qualifications for all Task Force Members:

Key personal attributes required of members include:

High ethical standards and integrity;

Appreciation of the responsibilities to the public;

Flexibility, responsiveness and a willingness to consider others’ opinions;

Capable of a wide perspective on issues;

Ability to listen and work as a team member;

No direct or indirect conflict of interest, and

Strong reasoning skills.

Time Commitments:

Committee members should be available to work on a full-time basis in the St. John’s area. The members will also travel throughout the province to support stakeholder consultations associated with Committee functions. Members will also be expected to spend additional time to prepare for meetings and prepare reports.

Term:

Task Force appointees will serve until the final Committee report is completed and provided to Government, which is expected by Winter 2020.

Vacancy Profile:

The Committee is seeking to fill one chairperson and two vice-chair positions. Expressions of interest are being sought from individuals who possess the background, experience and skill-set identified in the board profile above and who can bring unique perspectives to the table. Consideration will also be given to a variety of demographic factors to ensure the board is representative of the population they serve.

Applications will be accepted for this opportunity until end of day November 7, 2018.